'Reef line' definitions:
Definition of 'Reef line'
From: GCIDE
- Reef \Reef\, n. [Akin to D. reef, G. reff, Sw. ref; cf. Icel. rif reef, rifa to basten together. Cf. Reeve, v. t., River.] (Naut.) That part of a sail which is taken in or let out by means of the reef points, in order to adapt the size of the sail to the force of the wind. [1913 Webster]
- Note: From the head to the first reef-band, in square sails, is termed the first reef; from this to the next is the second reef; and so on. In fore-and-aft sails, which reef on the foot, the first reef is the lowest part. --Totten. [1913 Webster]
- Close reef, the last reef that can be put in.
- Reef band. See Reef-band in the Vocabulary.
- Reef knot, the knot which is used in tying reef pointss. See Illust. under Knot.
- Reef line, a small rope formerly used to reef the courses by being passed spirally round the yard and through the holes of the reef. --Totten.
- Reef points, pieces of small rope passing through the eyelet holes of a reef-band, and used reefing the sail.
- Reef tackle, a tackle by which the reef cringles, or rings, of a sail are hauled up to the yard for reefing. --Totten.
- To take a reef in, to reduce the size of (a sail) by folding or rolling up a reef, and lashing it to the spar. [1913 Webster]